Use of the nitrification inhibitor DMPP in wheat (Triticum durum L.): Impact on yield and grain quality

Juan Daniel Castillo-Murillo, Silvia Mónica Avilés-Marín, Juan Gabriel Brigido-Morales, Roberto Soto-Ortíz, Carlos Enrique Ail-Catzim, Samuel Sandoval-Solís

Abstract


Background: High nitrogen (N) losses in conventional agriculture, ranging from 32% to 65%, reduce the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers use and contribute to environmental impacts. Nitrification inhibitors such as 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) optimize nitrogen availability; however, their impact on the industrial quality of durum wheat (Triticum durum L.) under arid conditions remains underexplored. Objective: To evaluate the effect of DMPP on yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and grain quality of durum wheat in the Mexicali Valley, Mexico. Methodology: A randomized trial with three replicates was implemented on sandy loam soil, moderately alkaline (pH 8.4) and moderately saline (2.5 dS m-1) and four treatments: (1) control (conventional urea, 400 kg N ha-1 without DMPP), DMPP doses (2) 200, (3) 300 and (4) 400 kg N ha-1. Yield, NUE, grain protein content (%), test weight (kg hL⁻¹), and white belly (%) were assessed. ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p<0.05) were used for statistical analysis. Results: No significant differences in yield were observed (p>0.05). The 200 kg N ha-1 + DMPP treatment achieved the highest NUE (40 kg kg-1), significantly outperforming the control (p<0.05). In terms of grain quality, the control showed optimal values: protein (11.81%), test weight (83.00 kg hL-1), and white belly (1.20%). All DMPP treatments significantly affected grain quality, with lower protein (9.64–9.85%), lower test weight (80.50–81.33 kg hL-1), and higher white belly incidence (35.0–58.1%) (p<0.05). Implications: These findings suggest that while DMPP enhances NUE and allows for reduced N application rates without compromising yield, it adversely affects commercial grain quality under arid conditions, requiring adjustments in application rates. timing and irrigation management. Conclusions: The use of DMPP in durum wheat is viable in terms of yield and nitrogen fertilization efficiency, but its negative impact on quality necessitates integrated management strategies that complement commercial quality standards.

Keywords


Nitrogen; urea; 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate; arid zones.

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URN: http://www.revista.ccba.uady.mx/urn:ISSN:1870-0462-tsaes.v29i3.67627

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.56369/tsaes.6762

Copyright (c) 2026 JUAN DANIEL CASTILLO-MURILLO, SILVIA MONICA AVILES-MARIN, JUAN GABRIEL BRIGIDO-MORALES, ROBERTO SOTO-ORTIZ, CARLOS ENRIQUE AIL-CATZIM, SAMUEL SANDOVAL-SOLIS

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